What are SMU and Clemson’s biggest questions going into their playoff games with Penn State and Texas.
How can SMU beat Penn State?
Penn State defensively has a rugged reputation, but they’ve had some rough games. USC ran for 189 on them. Ohio State had 120 on the ground on them. Minnesota had over 100. Oregon put up another 183 yards rushing. These were all games Penn State either lost or barely won. SMU averages 100 yards a game running the ball. If the Mustangs can establish a running game, and avoid the slow start they had against Clemson- they can make it a 4 quarter-game. QB Kevin Jenning’s mobility will be critical in this game.
How can Clemson beat Texas?
Texas for all their year-long top 10 ranking didn’t beat a team of note. Indiana’s schedule was questioned, and SMU’s schedule was questioned too, but Texas beating a decent hardly good Texas A&M team was their best win of the year. They got blown out by Georgia once and lost to their backup QB. Their resume is as suspect as anyone in the country. Just like Penn State in the close game or games that Texas lost, they gave up over 100 yards rushing. Clemson must be able to run the ball, but with the health of Phil Mafah in question, and Jay Haynes – Clemson has to find a way to get a running game going. If they do both have a shot.
Will either Clemson or SMU actually win?
There are paths for Clemson and SMU to win their playoff games, as we outlined above, but can they actually do it is the question. Before the playoffs started I felt like there would be 1 blowout, 1 upset, and 2 close games. Well, Indiana got blown out by Notre Dame. The final was 27-17, but it was never really competitive. I don’t consider either the winner of Tennessee Ohio State whoever is to be a real upset. That leaves Clemson and SMU. I think at least one of them will win. Clemson probably matches talent with Texas a little closer than SMU to Penn State. James Franklin’s has a poor reputation in big games, and there’s discussion that there will be several thousand empty seats in Happy Valley. Don’t be surprised if there is an upset in one of these.
